Letters: Lawmakers need to support Iowa families

With lack of federal funding and revenue shortfalls, the legislature made deep cuts to vital services, from public education and mental health to health care, public safety, senior and human services including courts and survivor programs, doing more harm to Iowa's future.

Yet they went forward with a Voter ID system that costs upward $1.5 million that could wait. Secretary of State Paul Pate said there was no sign of voter ID problems found in Iowa. How can a simple move to another office cost $100,000 plus?

It is time they scrutinize the billions of dollars spent, but do away with consultants and analyze the reports themselves. Do their job!

The legislature should review Senate File 295 that was passed in 2013 which was the biggest tax cut in Iowa history. Repeal the costly and wasteful tax loopholes that Iowans are paying.

These corporate giveaway programs and tax reductions for high income households are projected to cost the state more than $1 billion in fiscal 2018. Before reducing support for vital services, the legislature should be building economic growth by making investments with: infrastructure to grow jobs and commerce; public schools for a better educated and quality workforce; public safety to increase law enforcement officers; and health care to keep people able to work.

The legislature also should look for new ways to increase revenue.

The governor and legislature need to support Iowa families not corporate sponsors. We all should pay for the shortfall.

Joyce Lucas

Vinton